COLOMBO : The Tourist Police division was re-established yesterday. The new Tourist Police Division will function under the theme ‘Prevent, Protect and Delight’.

It is a joint effort by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Tourism Ministry and the Police Department.

The Tourist Police will have its head office at the premises of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The Tourist Police Division was declared open by the Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda and Inspector General of Police Victor Perera.

A network of tourist police stations or units will be established at key tourist attractions to ensure that all tourists, both local and foreign, are able to enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday. The Tourist Police Division is headed by the Director of the Tourist Police Division SSP Maxi Proctor under the supervision of a Deputy Inspector General.

According to the police and tourist board sources, the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Defence decided that there was a need to re-establish a strong tourist police division to handle problems related to the tourism industry.

In addition, Minister Moragoda has responded to calls of the tourism industry and the public on the need to ensure a good environment for tourists to enjoy the hospitality and the nature, culture, adventure in Sri Lanka. The objective is to take all steps to ensure Sri Lanka is once again made a tourist-friendly place. Further steps have been taken to minimize negatives that are faced by both local and foreign tourists, the Minister said.

Moves are under way to increase tourist arrivals in future, SLTB Chairman Renton de Alwis said.